As you may know, Google removed the option to sign in Google Messages with QR Pairing. Now, they force you to do it ONLY with a Google account. People who don't have and don't want to create one, or people that just prefer QR pairing can still do it. But with a workaround:
- Download (or use) a Google Messages version that still allows QR pairing (like one from January 2026). It can be downloaded from Uptodown store. I tried installing it from an apk directly but it failed.
- Open the link: https://messages.google.com/web/authentication
- Sign in following the instructions on the screen.
Do it as soon as possible because Google might remove this option soon.
I get how difficult it is to just swim against the current. But the reality is that it boils down to choice. I chose to allow whomever wasn't willing to help me achieve my privacy just fade away from my life if that's what it took. However, I don't condemn anyone that hasn't made that choice, because I know how hard it is to make it and stand your ground.